Rated to 250MHz, this 2m CAT6 lead carries Gigabit Ethernet at up to 100 metres, with 10GBASE-T possible on shorter links of around 55 metres. It is the everyday choice for offices, homes and small comms rooms.
The cable uses unscreened twisted pairs (U/UTP), which is all most homes and offices need. Its LSZH sheath (low smoke zero halogen) limits smoke and toxic fumes if there is a fire, and is often a requirement in offices, schools and hospitals. Its 24 AWG copper cores are thicker than the 26 AWG found in many patch leads, which helps with longer runs and powered devices. The RJ45 latch is protected by snagless boots, which stop it hooking on other cables or breaking.
It supports Power over Ethernet up to IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++), so one cable powers and connects IP cameras, wireless access points and desk phones.
Typical uses are floor box to laptop dock, router to smart TV, or patching between two adjacent cabinets. In a crowded patch panel, a orange lead stands out at a glance.
Specification
- Cable category: CAT6
- Length: 2m
- Colour: Orange
- Screening: U/UTP
- Conductor size: 24 AWG
- Sheath: LSZH
- Boots: Snagless
- Plugs: RJ45 to RJ45
- Power over Ethernet: Up to 802.3bt (PoE++)
- Bandwidth: 250MHz